Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces killed nine civilians, including women and children, and injured 11 others, Afghanistan’s government said, as tensions between the neighbours deepen.
Afghanistan’s government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft struck civilian homes in the Chugam area of Shultan district in eastern Kunar province and the Safar area of Garmser district in southern Helmand province, destroying three homes.
“Last night, Pakistani aircraft bombed civilian homes in Chugam, Shultan District of Kunar, and Safar, Garmser District of Helmand. Nine Afghan civilians, including women and children, were killed, 11 were injured, and three homes were destroyed.”
Mujahid condemned the strikes, calling them an act of aggression.
“We condemn this act as an aggression and crime in violation of all accepted principles.”
Pakistan confirmed it had carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan but disputed Kabul’s account of the targets and casualties.
In an official statement, Pakistan said the strikes were based on intelligence and targeted militant camps and hideouts at two locations. It said initial reports indicated that 22 militants had been killed and that weapons and ammunition had been destroyed.
Pakistan denied causing civilian casualties and said precautions had been taken to avoid harming civilians.
“Our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs. Maximum precautions were taken and it was ensured that no collateral damage occurs.”
The conflicting casualty claims could not be independently verified.
The strikes come amid escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad following repeated cross-border violence and a series of Pakistani military operations inside Afghanistan.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused armed groups, particularly Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Afghanistan rejects the accusation, saying it does not allow its territory to be used to threaten other countries.
Relations have deteriorated further in recent weeks, with Kabul and Islamabad trading accusations over armed groups operating along their shared border.
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